Brighter Bites of Monterey County

Our partnered schools receive programming for up to 16 weeks during the school year at no cost. Partner schools and organizations may also receive four weeks of
programming during the summer. Up to 25 pounds of donated and purchased produce is brought to the school where staff, interns, and volunteers place it in the bags to be handed out to the families. This is offered every-other week that school is in session (bimonthly). During dismissal the bags are handed out to the students’ parental figures along with recipes and tips for preparation. We often include a learning activity or photo opportunity as well.

In addition to planning and implementing the distributions (T-Th) we also partner with other local agencies and produce donors. We engage in requesting In-Kind donations, grant-writing, and annual fundraising events.

Interns may be asked to:
 Assist with distribution of Brighter Bites produce bags including  welcoming families and providing a fun, warm environment for families to receive
their bags.
 Record family participation at each distribution on rosters.
 Assist with Site Surveys and annual Pre, Post, and Demographic surveys.
 Motivate staff, volunteers, and families to try different fruits and vegetables
included in the bags by encouraging them to try different recipes provided.
 Support Brighter Bites Nutrition Education programming: Learn the basic
principles of the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) nutrition
education curriculum and share the concepts with Brighter Bites participants.
 Set up CATCH Kids Corner activities and games during produce distributions to
engage families with nutrition education concepts.
 During the summer, offer support to site and camp staff by delivering nutrition
education mini-lessons to campers.

 Assist site staff with creating and refreshing Brighter Bites bulletin boards.
 Work and communicate effectively with Brighter Bites team, fellow interns, site
contacts, volunteers, and to successfully implement the Brighter Bites program
and create a health-conscious environment.
 Shadow to learn the ops, logistics, and technology necessary to implement the
Brighter Bites programming.
 Take one a special project that is agreed upon by the Senior Program Manager
and the intern that will help both the intern's professional development and
Brighter Bites to grow.

Depending on availability & interest:
 Support administration of surveys to program participants and learn this research
supports proof of impact and how that information is used.
 Data processing, cleaning, and entry.
 Attend meetings at Brighter Bites offices.
 Work on independent projects to improve Brighter Bites program implementation.

Expectations of Fieldwork Interns:
 Distributions take place at various schools in Monterey County.  You must be
able to comfortably and repeatedly lift 50 lbs. and have adequate transportation. 
The main office is in Salinas.
 You must arrive on time on-site, stay for the duration of your shift, and perform to
the best of your ability. You’ll need to be properly dressed and come prepared,
having reviewed all materials delivered prior to the Brighter Bites program event.
 Provide at least 24 hours’ notice in the event of a cancellation.
 Act as a representative of Brighter Bites.  Be courteous, polite, and professional
with all with whom you come in contact during your participation with Brighter
Bites.
 Work and communicate effectively with Brighter Bites team, participating families,
site contacts, volunteers, and to successfully implement the Brighter Bites
program creating a health-conscious environment.
 Share successes and challenges for each assigned site and provide insight for
improvement.

Interns who have excessive cancellations, repeated late arrivals, or behavior that
violates Brighter Bites standards may be dismissed from the internship program and the reason for dismissal will be communicated to their professor and/or program director.

The intern will be exposed to all of the following HHSPP Competencies:
- Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, & Mediation
- Cross-Cultural Competency
- Information Management
- Knowledge of Health & Human Services (SW or CH)
- Leadership
- Personal & Professional Communication
- Professional Development
- Statistics and Research Methods
- Systems Management
Basic training will be offered on the first day of service and continue throughout the
intern's  participation.